We've all heard about that time in life when children become difficult; two years old, the age when they begin to rebel. We've even adopted a name for that stage in life...we call it the "Terrible Two's."
But there are other times in life when we become users of that same kind of phrase, and the phrase limits our accomplishments and happiness. Those are the times when we use "too" as an excuse not to try something.
Have you ever said to yourself that you would do something, but you're "too"... then added a descriptive term such as short, tall, thin, fat, young, old, busy, tired, afraid, shy, rich, poor or one of a dozen other terms that keep us from venturing into areas that might stretch our comfort zone?
Here are five steps you can take to overcome your personal "terrible too's":
Be aware of a specific "too." The next time you say to yourself, "I'd do that, but I'm too...," stop and be aware of the self-limiting message you've just given to yourself.
Acknowledge it. It's O.K. to have a terrible "too" enter your thinking. Our mind and our emotions would not be properly serving us if they never brought out the downside to our dreams. So, simply admit to yourself that you have a terrible "too" and move to step three.
Analyze why you have it. Is it an excuse, procrastination or something beyond either of these? Whatever the reason, if you can determine what's behind it, you probably can overcome it. This is also the step where you look at the rationality of your "too." For example, if you said you're "too young" and you want a driver's license, but the state law for the age of driver's licenses is 18 and you're only 15, the "too" is probably something that is legitimate, so it's rational to recognize the limitation.. Most situations, however, don't have this kind of barrier...the barrier in most situations is in our mind. To paraphrase Shakespeare, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in our minds that we are 'under accomplishers'."
Decide what action you will take to overcome the "too." Once you've done your analysis, you can begin to see what action(s) are necessary to overcome the "too" that's restricting you. Plan carefully, in small steps if the action(s) seems overwhelming, and you will create a pathway that is clear and possible. The planning step is vital so that both your emotions and your logic become aligned in, not only your need for action, but the method(s) to use in taking that action.
Take the action. Plans are worthless without action. The solution proposed by the Nike Corporation...Just do it!...works well if you have taken the first four steps. Action is the trigger that fires the gun of accomplishment. Without action you have simply been dreaming and living in the land of wishful thinking. With action, you have the basis for successful accomplishment!
This five step plan is simple, but it's not easy. Your willingness to follow the plan and take action will determine whether you were only dreaming and wish to stay in your comfort zone or you were looking at something you'd really like to have, do or be.
Following the plan will help you to overcome those "terrible too's." More important, it will put you on the road to greater accomplishment than you might have thought possible. It will serve to give you the power and confidence that only your personal accomplishments will bring.
Permission to reprint all or parts of this article is granted providing credit is given as follows: "Reprinted with permission of Richard A. Egli, APR, , www.egliassociates.com"
Dick Egli, MA, APR, is a long-time Michigan administrator and public relations director. He currently writes, speaks and consults with schools in Michigan and across the country. To reach him, choose from any of our contact options.
